How to Take Lisinopril

Lisinopril is the generic name for the drug Prinivil and belongs to the drug group known as ACE inhibitors. For trouble with high blood pressure, adults and children six years and older can take Lisinopril to reduce the chance of heart attack, stroke and kidney problems. The medication relaxes your blood vessels and causes them to widen, thus aiding survival after a heart attack or treating congestive heart failure when combined with diuretics.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription for lisinopril

Instructions

1. Take Lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Read the information included with your prescription and contact the pharmacist or your doctor if you have any questions.

2. Take Lisinopril by mouth with water and with or without food. If you get an upset stomach, try taking it with food.

3. Take Lisinopril at the same time every day. Have a set time to help you remember.

4. Monitor your potassium intake while taking Lisinopril, which can increase the amount of this mineral in your system. High potassium levels can cause muscle weakness and slow heartbeat.

5. Continue taking Lisinopril even if you begin to feel better. You cannot always feel the symptoms of hypertension and may or may not feel sick, so talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take up to four weeks before you see the effects of Lisinopril for hypertension and up to six months to see the full effects for congestive heart failure.

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to benazopril, captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril or trandolapril before taking Lisinopril.

• Tell your doctor before taking Lisinopril if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, Marfin syndrome, Sjogrens syndrome, lupus, sclerdoma or rheumatoid arthritis. You may not be able to take Lisinopril or your dosage may have to be altered.

• Less serious side effects from taking Lisinopril include coughing, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, upset stomach, mild skin irritation and rash. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

• Lisinopril can impair your thinking and reaction time. Use caution while driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Lisinopril will react in your body.

• Do not take Lisinopril if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Lisinopril is known to cause birth defects in unborn babies.

• Serious side effects from taking Lisinopril include light-headedness, fainting, increased or decreased urination, fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, muscle weakness, pounding heartbeat, uneven heartbeat, chest pain, swelling and rapid weight gain. If you have any serious side effects while taking Lisinopril you should stop taking the medication and contact a doctor.

• Certain medications may cause adverse reactions when combined with Lisinopril. Contact your doctor and be sure to detail any and all medications you are currently taking.